2.0 Analysis 2.1 Introduction The analysis will concentrate on pilot decision making and judgement, as there was no evidence found to indicate that the weather, the aircraft mechanical condition, or pilot incapacitation were factors in the occurrence. 2.2 Pilot Decision Making and Judgement Although the pilot had flight planned for an en route altitude of 9,000 feet asl, the location of the wreckage at 6,300 feet asl suggests that he may have entered the box-end south Ghost River canyon at a lower altitude and been unable to turn around or climb above the canyon walls. Conducting a 180-degree turn out of the canyon would probably not have been possible. The wreckage pattern, which appears consistent with a stall/spin occurrence, indicates that the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while trying to climb above the steep, narrow terrain. If the pilot had inadvertently entered the canyon at 9,000 feet, he probably would have been able to climb over the box-ends which are at the same altitude, or conduct a 180-degree turn back out of the canyon. The pilot had flown the route previously and appears to have had sufficient confidence in his navigational abilities that he did not consider it necessary to carry or refer to a Calgary VFR map that showed the details of the mountain pass into Banff. 3.0 Conclusions 3.1 Findings The pilot entered a box-end canyon at too low an altitude to turn around or climb over the canyon walls. Evidence indicates the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed and allowed the aircraft to stall. No evidence was found that the annual eye examination, which was required to medically validate the monocular pilot's private licence, had been obtained. The burned, dirty contacts in the flap switch may have resulted in intermittent operation, and may have rendered the flap system inoperative. The lack of a Calgary VFR map deprived the pilot of critical information on the correct route through the mountains. The ELT was instrumental in locating the aircraft. 3.2 Causes The pilot entered a valley which terminated in a box-end canyon. The narrow canyon walls precluded a 180-degree turn back out of the canyon. While the pilot was attempting to climb above the steeply rising terrain, the aircraft stalled and crashed. The Board has no aviation safety recommendations to issue at this time.4.0 Safety Action The Board has no aviation safety recommendations to issue at this time.